Why a 30 amp breaker for a 14 KW genset Al?
Jim
The existing connection between the point of entry and the main breaker panel where the transfer takes place dictates 30 amps. I will have to run heavier wire for about 70 feet at considerable additional cost. I was originally going to buy an 8 KW generator which would been a perfect fit for the wire size but got, new, last year's 14.4 KW Kohler (not genset) generator at the same price so I went for it.
I'm perfectly happy with 30 amps. The fuel consumption will be pretty close to the same as for the 8 KW. The 14.4 will be loafing along at full load. Oh yes, I would have had to add an additional 100 gal LP tank and yet another cost upper. I'm happy with what I have and have room for expansion in the future.
Joe (& VJB)
I'm counting on it
While it is a smug feeling to have the backup, it doesn't come cheap at ≈ $4 / gal. I'll pay the price to keep toasty warm and not have my food spoil in the fridge / freezer. Yet another advantage is that I won't have to store all that gasoline in the garage (always a worry for me) and won't have to worry about driving around trying to find a gas station that has power.
Finally: Here is a sepia of the back yard shot with some gamma correction on the left panel as done with IrfanView - that freeware I bragged about on another post.
Toastily yours, Al